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Tonne: meaning, definitions and examples

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tonne

 

[ tʌn ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

unit of weight

A metric unit of weight equal to 1,000 kilograms or approximately 2,204.62 pounds. It is commonly used in countries that have adopted the metric system for measuring weight.

Synonyms

kilogram, metric ton.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
tonne

Commonly used outside the United States to refer to metric tons, primarily in British English. Ideal for scientific and international contexts where metric measurements are standard.

  • The shipment weighed 50 tonnes.
  • The construction project will require 200 tonnes of steel.
metric ton

Often used in countries that do not primarily use the metric system as a way to clarify the type of ton being referred to. Useful in scientific, industrial, and international trade contexts.

  • The total weight of the cargo is 25 metric tons.
  • The carbon dioxide emission limits are set in metric tons.
kilogram

Used internationally to measure smaller weights, suitable for everyday items and contexts where precision is crucial.

  • The package weighed 5 kilograms.
  • She needs 3 kilograms of flour for the recipe.

Examples of usage

  • The shipment weighed over two tonnes.
  • The elephant weighed three tonnes.
Context #2 | Noun

British spelling of 'ton'

In British English, 'tonne' is the spelling used for the metric ton. It is important to distinguish between the tonne and the traditional ton, which is equivalent to 2,000 pounds.

Synonyms

kilogram, metric ton.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
tonne

This term is typically used in most parts of the world except the United States to refer to a metric ton. It's common in scientific, industrial, and everyday contexts.

  • The car weighs about one tonne.
  • Farmers harvested several tonnes of wheat this year.
metric ton

This term is mostly used in the United States to specify that a measurement is in metric tons rather than in short tons or long tons. It is used in technical, industrial, and commercial contexts.

  • The shipment weighs 50 metric tons.
  • They mined several metric tons of iron ore last month.
kilogram

The kilogram is the base unit of mass in the International System of Units (SI). It is used for smaller masses compared to those measured in tonnes, like individual objects or human body weight.

  • The backpack weighs 10 kilograms.
  • Babies are usually weighed in kilograms at birth.

Examples of usage

  • The British construction industry often uses the tonne as a unit of weight.

Translations

Translations of the word "tonne" in other languages:

🇵🇹 tonelada

🇮🇳 टन

🇩🇪 Tonne

🇮🇩 ton

🇺🇦 тонна

🇵🇱 tona

🇯🇵 トン (ton)

🇫🇷 tonne

🇪🇸 tonelada

🇹🇷 ton

🇰🇷 톤 (ton)

🇸🇦 طن

🇨🇿 tuna

🇸🇰 tona

🇨🇳 吨 (dūn)

🇸🇮 tona

🇮🇸 tonn

🇰🇿 тонна

🇬🇪 ტონა

🇦🇿 tonna

🇲🇽 tonelada

Etymology

The word 'tonne' originated from the French word 'tonne,' which in turn came from the Latin word 'tonna' meaning a large cask or barrel. The use of the metric tonne as a unit of weight was established in the 19th century as part of the metric system. It has since become widely accepted in many countries around the world.

See also: tonic.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #16,672, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.